Ofsted inspectors have judged East Newport Children’s Centre as ‘good’, highlighting ‘outstanding’ areas following an inspection in December.
Inspectors found the centre to be a friendly and welcoming place where families are placed at the heart of what the centre does. Among areas highlighted as being outstanding were the centre’s exemplary safeguarding practices which ensure children are kept safe and families are well supported. The report stated: “The exceptional, rigorous and sensitive assessment of need results in bespoke packages of support and care. In times of crisis, families turn to the centre for support and know they will receive the help they need.” Good practice case study So impressed with the safeguarding arrangements in place, Ofsted Inspector Denise Blackwell this month returned to the centre to compile a good practice case study on how the children’s centre is delivering safeguarding support to families in conjunction with other agencies (including council children’s services). Inspectors also praised the centre’s outstanding capacity to improve and the range of services, activities and opportunities it makes available for the families in its catchment area. The report said: “The inspirational pursuit of excellence from all centre staff, and their passion to improve the lives of families, show the centre has outstanding capacity to improve.” Ofsted found guidance provided by the centre’s staff to be excellent with families speaking highly of support they have received, with one parent saying. “Given time to reflect on all they have done for me, I just want to say thank you.” 'Clear and ambitious targets' Targets set by the children’s centre were also found to be outstanding, with the report stating: “Clear and ambitious targets are set and are securing rapid improvement across all areas.” The centre’s approach to partnership working was also praised, with the report highlighting that professionals hold the centre in high regard, the report said: “They work closely with social care and the multi-agency team to ensure support packages for children on child protection plans, and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, meet families’ needs.” Head of East Newport Children’s Centre, Kathy Whitewood, said: “This inspection report is a result of the hard work given by a small skilled team since Spurgeons gained the contract in 2010. We have raised our profile and used all resources available to deliver the best service we possibly can. Parents are very appreciative of the support they received from us.” Councillor Dawn Cousins, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “Our children’s centres play a hugely important role in supporting families. I am therefore delighted that all eight of the Island’s centres have been judged as either good or outstanding by Ofsted – meaning the quality of support offered to families on the Island is excellent. I would like to thank and congratulate staff at East Newport Children’s Centre for their dedication and passion for improvement which has led to this ‘good’ Ofsted judgement.” East Newport Children’s Centre is run by Spurgeons on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council.
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